Ben Stokes is the outright favourite to scoop the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award for his Ashes heroics, according to bookies.
The World Cup hero -- and now Ashes hero -- put on a stunning performance with the bat to notch up an astonishing 135 not out in the third Test against Australia.
And selected bookies now have Stokes, 28, as the clear favourite to take home the award.
According to Sky Bet, the New Zealand-born British star was at 50/1 odds for the award earlier this year and is now on 1/4 to be named SPOTY.
Advert
ODDSbible also has other bookies placing Stokes at 1/3 odds ahead of Lewis Hamilton and Raheem Sterling at 10/1 and 12/1 respectively.
The England all-rounder became a frontrunner for the SPOTY award back in July after his stunning performance in the World Cup final against New Zealand.
Advert
Stokes replicated his performance against New Zealand in the third Test of the Ashes.
He once again dragged England over the finishing line in a thrilling Test match and kept their dreams of capturing the Ashes alive.
Speaking after the showdown, Stokes couldn't believe that England secured their victory by one wicket and how he notched up his magnificent century.
He said: "I don't know how I did it.
"I know we've won the game but I'm pretty tired, to be honest. It was just a great day.
"It is never over till it is over and I only got nervy when it got down to the last ten. I had my pitching wedge at the perfect distance today.
"The pressure Jack [Leach] is under there. Those will be the most crucial 15 balls he will ever face.
Advert
"He's got serious b******s to stand up and do what he did."
England and Australia are level at 1-1 in the series and the fourth Test will be contested at Old Trafford on 4th September.
The 2019 Sports Personality of the Year winner will be announced at a ceremony in Birmingham on 15th December.
Should Stokes win the SPOTY award?
Let us know in the comments.
Featured Image Credit: PA/BBCTopics: BBC, Cricket, ashes, England, Cricket News, Australia, Ben Stokes
